![]() ![]() Since mask mandates have been lifted in most settings, many viruses that didn’t circulate widely during the pandemic, like influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, are becoming common once again and making people sick. Many different viruses and bacteria can make us sick. The most likely is that you have an infection of something other than SARS-CoV-2. There are several possible explanations for why you might get negative rapid tests even when you have COVID-like symptoms. Why do I have COVID-19 symptoms but still test negative? ![]() People who experience this should isolate again, as it has been shown that people with rebound cases can transmit the virus to others. In these cases, people sometimes experience recurring or even occasionally worse symptoms than they had before, along with positive rapid test results. In addition, a small number of people who have been treated with the oral antiviral drug Paxlovid have tested negative on rapid antigen tests, with no symptoms, only to “rebound” seven to 14 days after their initial positive test. Possible explanations include a person’s vaccination status or the ability of one’s immune system to clear the virus. Several studies show that most people no longer test positive after five to seven days from their first positive test, but between 10% to 20% of people continue to test positive for 10 to 14 days.īut why it takes longer for some people to clear the virus than others is still unknown. When it comes to rapid tests, there are reports that some people test positive for an extended period of time with the current strains of the omicron variant compared with earlier variants. ![]() The reason for this is twofold: PCR tests are capable of detecting extremely small amounts of genetic material, and fragments of the virus can remain in the respiratory system for a long time before being cleared. Studies have shown that some people can test positive for a month or more with a PCR test. It’s important to clarify which type of test we’re talking about in this situation. Why do some people test positive for extended periods of time? A newscaster rapid tests for COVID-19 on live TV. For most omicron variants in circulation today, this is one to three days, depending on the initial amount of virus you get exposed to. Only when the amount of virus is high enough will a person’s test become positive. If the virus has not replicated to a high enough level in that part of your body, a test will be negative. Rapid tests detect parts of the virus that are present in the sample collected from your nose or mouth. Our research group has demonstrated this, as have others. Typically it takes two to three days to test positive after exposure. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, takes time to build up in the body, like many other viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illness. Multiple negative tests, then a positive - why? Our insights from both the cutting edge of rapid testing research as well as our clinical perspectives from working directly with patients can help people figure out how to make the best use of rapid tests. Additionally, some of us are infectious disease specialists with decades of experience. ![]() We are part of a team that has developed and tested SARS-CoV-2 tests since the early days of the pandemic. Is this the year people can finally return to large gatherings for traditional celebrations? What role does testing play when deciding whether to go out or stay home?Īdding to the confusion are personal accounts of people who are experiencing confusing or seemingly contradictory test results. Images By Tang Ming Tung/Digital Vision via Getty ImagesĪs fall temperatures set in, cold and flu season gets into full swing and holiday travel picks up, people will undoubtedly have questions about COVID-19 testing. Technique matters when it comes to getting a sufficient amount of virus for a rapid test. ![]()
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